The Ultimate Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf Recipe: A Classic Dish with a Twist

A Timeless Classic: The Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf

Experience the comfort of a bygone era with our Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf recipe, a dish that effortlessly blends simplicity, flavor, and presentation. This classic recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals, offering a delicious and satisfying experience.

At its core, the Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf is a masterclass in traditional cooking, requiring just a few key ingredients, including 240 g / 1 cup of salmon, 120 g / 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 60 g / 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion. These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Easy to prepare and bake at 180°C / 350°F for a golden-brown finish
• Packed with flavor from the combination of salmon, spices, and herbs
• Perfect for serving at gatherings or as a comforting weeknight meal

Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf

This classic comfort food is packed with flavor and nostalgia. It’s a simple dish to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Quick Glance

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 g / 1.1 lbs canned salmon, drained and flaked
• 1 cup / 120 g bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup / 60 g finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup / 60 ml milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup / 60 ml ketchup
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

The Essential Components of a Delicious Salmon Loaf

Creating a mouth-watering Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf requires the right combination of ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the must-have components that bring out the best flavors in this classic dish.

Main Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (240 g / 1 cup), skin removed
• 120 g / 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 60 g / 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup (60 g) chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup (60 g) chopped fresh bell pepper

Remember, the key to a great salmon loaf is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations to make this dish your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Salmon Loaf

To create a stunning Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf, it’s essential to follow a well-structured approach, ensuring each component is carefully prepared and assembled to yield a beautifully golden-brown final product.

The process begins with preparing the ingredients, which includes 420 g / 2 cups of cooked salmon, 120 g / 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, and 60 g / 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and position the rack in the middle to ensure even cooking and browning of the salmon loaf.
2. Mix the cooked salmon, chopped onion, chopped celery, 2 tablespoons / 30 ml of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon / 5 ml of Dijon mustard in a large bowl for exactly 4 minutes to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
3. In a separate bowl, combine 120 g / 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon / 2.5 ml of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon / 1.25 ml of black pepper, stirring for 1 minute to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
4. Add the breadcrumb mixture to the salmon mixture and stir for 3 minutes to ensure the ingredients are well combined and the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 20 cm / 8-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper, smoothing the top with a spatula for 2 minutes to create an even surface.
6. Bake the salmon loaf in the preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until it reaches a golden-brown color and the internal temperature reaches 60°C / 140°F.
7. Remove the salmon loaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.

By following these step-by-step instructions and using the right cooking techniques, you’ll be able to create a delicious and visually appealing Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Pro Tips and Tricks: Elevate Your Salmon Loaf Game

Ready to take your salmon loaf from good to gourmet? Here are some insider tips to help you achieve the perfect texture, prevent overcooking, and add an extra layer of flavor:

Texture is Key

• Don’t overmix! Overmixing the salmon mixture can result in a tough, dense loaf. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
• Add some binding agents. Breadcrumbs, oats, or mashed potatoes help hold the loaf together and create a lighter texture.

Temperature Control

Overcooking is a common pitfall with salmon loaf. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the loaf should reach 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
• Start with a hot oven. This helps the loaf to set quickly and prevents it from drying out.
• Reduce the heat midway through baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents overbrowning.

Flavor Boosters

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors!

• Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, chives, or tarragon add a bright, herbaceous flavor.
• Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note.
• Spices: Paprika, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of nutmeg can add warmth and complexity.

Substitutions and Variations: Experiment with New Flavors and Ingredients

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Salmon Loaf recipe. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, and with a few simple substitutions and variations, you can keep your Salmon Loaf exciting and fresh.

Alternative Ingredients

• Replace salmon with other fatty fish like tuna or mackerel (240 g / 1 cup)
• Try using cod or haddock for a lower-fat option (240 g / 1 cup)
• For a vegetarian or vegan option, use portobello mushrooms (200 g / 1 cup) or eggplant (200 g / 1 cup)

Flavor Combinations

• Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to give your Salmon Loaf an Asian twist
• Spicy: Mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an added kick
• Herby: Infuse your Salmon Loaf with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme

Optional Ingredients

• Chopped onion (100 g / 1/2 cup)
• Minced garlic (3 cloves)
• Diced bell pepper (100 g / 1/2 cup)
• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill (20 g / 1/4 cup)

Remember, the key to a great Salmon Loaf is to balance flavors and textures. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect dish.

Salmon Loaf Variations: Try These Delicious Twists on a Classic

Experience the versatility of Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf Recipes with these unique cultural twists. Each variation offers a distinct flavor profile, taking the classic dish to new heights.

• Mediterranean Salmon Loaf: Infuse 240 g / 1 cup of salmon with 15 ml / 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 10 g / 2 teaspoons of chopped kalamata olives, and 5 g / 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
• Asian-Glazed Salmon Loaf: Mix 240 g / 1 cup of salmon with 30 ml / 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 15 ml / 1 tablespoon of honey. Top with a glaze made from 15 ml / 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 15 ml / 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Indian-Style Salmon Loaf: Blend 240 g / 1 cup of salmon with 10 g / 2 teaspoons of garam masala and 5 g / 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 30-35 minutes.

These variations offer a range of flavor profiles, from the salty Mediterranean to the sweet and sour Asian-Glazed, and the aromatic Indian-Style. Each twist requires minimal adjustments to cooking time and temperature.

Storage and Reheating: Keep Your Salmon Loaf Fresh and Delicious

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade Salmon Loaf at its best. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:

Refrigeration

Store leftover Salmon Loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is large enough to allow for proper airflow and prevent condensation.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your Salmon Loaf in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to ensure you use it within the recommended timeframe.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen Salmon Loaf in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on medium power.

Fixing a Dry or Overcooked Salmon Loaf: Troubleshooting Common Issues

A perfectly cooked salmon loaf can elevate any meal, but a dry or overcooked version can be a disappointment. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some common issues and their solutions to help you achieve a moist and delicious salmon loaf every time.

Common Problems and Fixes:

• Problem: Overcooking the salmon loaf

  Causes: Overestimating cooking time, using too high a temperature.

  Fix: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (63°C / 145°F for medium-rare, 71°C / 160°F for medium). Reduce cooking time and temperature for a more tender result.

• Problem: Dry salmon loaf

  Causes: Overmixing the batter, using too much flour, not enough moisture.

  Fix: Mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together. Use a higher ratio of moisture-rich ingredients like salmon puree or Greek yogurt. Avoid overbaking and ensure the loaf is cooked through but still moist.

• Problem: Salmon loaf falling apart

  Causes: Overmixing the batter, using too much liquid.

  Fix: Mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together. Use a lower ratio of liquid ingredients to prevent the loaf from breaking apart during cooking.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a perfectly cooked salmon loaf that’s sure to impress.

Nutrition Facts: The Health Benefits of Salmon and Our Old Fashioned Loaf

Our Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf recipe is not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients. Each serving (120 g / 4 oz) contains approximately 200 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 25 g of protein, 10 g of fat, and 0 g of carbohydrates.

This recipe is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Gluten-free (GF) and dairy-free (DF), our Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf is suitable for those with dietary restrictions. However, it is not Vegan due to the presence of salmon.

• Calories per serving: 200
• Macros: 25g protein, 10g fat, 0g carbs
• Diet tags: GF, DF

What You Need to Know About Our Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf Recipe

Get the inside scoop on our classic salmon loaf recipe with these essential takeaways.

• Cooking Time: This recipe takes approximately 35-40 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, resulting in a perfectly cooked salmon loaf.
• Ingredient Ratios: Our recipe uses a mix of 240g (1 cup) salmon, 120g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs, 60g (1/4 cup) chopped onion, 30g (2 tbsp) mayonnaise, 15g (1 tsp) Dijon mustard, 5g (1/4 tsp) salt, and 2g (1/8 tsp) black pepper.
• Key Tips:
  1. Make sure to drain excess liquid from the salmon before mixing with other ingredients.
  2. Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
  3. For a crispy top, bake the loaf at 180°C (350°F) for the last 10-15 minutes.

By following these key takeaways, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf that’s sure to impress.

The Story Behind Our Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf Recipe

This Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf recipe is the culmination of a long cooking journey, marked by inspiration, experimentation, and refinement. The idea originated from traditional salmon loaf recipes, often served at family gatherings and community events. To create our version, we drew from these classic recipes, updating them with modern twists and flavor combinations.

Through a process of trial and error, we tested various ingredient ratios, cooking methods, and seasonings. We found that using 240 g / 1 cup of salmon, mixed with fresh parsley and dill, provided the perfect balance of flavors. Additionally, baking the loaf in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F ensured a moist and flavorful final product.

• Experimenting with different types of fish and seasonings to create a unique taste profile
• Refining the cooking technique to achieve the perfect texture and moisture level
• Testing various presentation styles to make the dish visually appealing

A Delicious Old Fashioned Salmon Loaf Recipe for the Ages

There’s something truly comforting about an old-fashioned salmon loaf. This recipe, passed down through generations, is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, delicious meals.

Serve it with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes and green beans, for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Feel free to get creative with the additions, tailoring the loaf to your family’s preferences.

Want to explore more classic comfort food recipes? Check out our collection of traditional meatloaf recipes or easy tuna casserole recipes.